Components for a roof assemblies

ABSTRACT

Components for a roof assembly include a glazing having a main support member and a cap engaging member. The cap engaging member has a detent portion extending from an edge region back towards an opposite edge region. The component also includes a beam member a main support member and a rafter support member for supporting a rafter assembly. The rafter support member has a securing portion extending from an edge region. A ridge end member is also disclosed which has a plurality of segment extending radially outwardly from a hub member. Each segment has an elongate mounting member on an edge opposite the hub member. There is also disclosed a wing member for a valley rafter assembly. The wing member has first and second elements secured together. Each of the elements comprises a portion of a mounting formation to which a glazing bar can be mounted. The components further include a bracket arrangement comprising a first bracket mountable on a first rafter assembly, and a second bracket mountable on a second rafter assembly. Securing means is provided to secure the first bracket to the second bracket.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to components for roof assemblies. Moreparticularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to componentsfor roof assemblies for conservatories and greenhouses.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] The construction of conservatories requires the beams and raftersto be of sufficient strength but also to be sufficiently lightweight.Many designs of profiles for conservatories require considerable amountsof material to provide the required strength and rigidity. This createscost and weight disadvantages.

[0003] In addition, many known conservatories require a large number ofcomponents in order to be able to construct the configurations and sizesof conservatories that may be desired.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] According to one aspect of this invention there is provided aglazing bar comprising a main support member and a cap engaging memberon an edge region of the main support member, the cap engaging membercomprising a detent portion extending from said edge region towards anopposite edge region of the main support member to engage a selected:one of a plurality of corresponding detents on a cap to be engaged bythe cap engaging member.

[0005] Preferably, the cap engaging member includes two of said detentportions, each extending on opposite sides of the main support membertoward said opposite edge thereof.

[0006] The main support member may be formed from two elements securedtogether wherein the cap engaging member is in the form f f lded back prtions at the edge region of each element.

[0007] A second cap engaging member may extend outwardly from saidopposite edge region of the main support member and may comprise anupstanding member extending toward the first cap engaging member. In oneembodiment the second cap engaging member may further include a curvedportion extending inwardly from the upstanding member. The curvedportion may be adapted to engage a part of a second cap, whereby thecurved portion is so curved such that said part of the second capextends in use substantially tangentially to the curved portion.

[0008] The glazing bar is preferably formed of a steel material, orother suitable material, for example aluminium.

[0009] Preferably, the second cap engaging member extends from thesupport member in substantially opposite directions, and the capengaging member comprises two of said upstanding members and a curvedportion on each upstanding member.

[0010] The second cap engaging member may include at least one outwardlyextending strip, preferably first and second outwardly extending strips,the or each strip extending from the main support member, and desirably,in the case of first and second outwardly extending strips, in oppositedirections to each other. The or each of said outwardly extending stripspreferably includes a raised portion so shaped that a fastening member,for example a bolt, may extend through said raised portion such that apart of the fastening member, for example a head of the bolt, engagesthe raised portion, generally or approximately tangentially therewith.

[0011] Preferably, the, or each, detent portion on the first capengaging member is adapted to co-operate with a selected detentformation on said first cap, whereby the position of the first cap onthe glazing bar may be adjusted. Each of said detent formations may beprovided with a plurality of inwardly extending triangular detentsarranged one after the other on said first cap. Preferably, therespective triangular detents closest to the further cap have a widthwhich is less than the width of succeeding triangular formations furtheraway from said further cap. Preferably, each detent formation includethree of said triangular detents.

[0012] According to another aspect of this invention there is provided abeam member for a roof arrangement, the beam member comprising a mainsupport member and a rafter support member extending outwardly from themain support member, wherein securing means is provided on the raftersupport member at an edge region of the rafter support member, thesecuring means comprising upstanding means extending from the raftersupport member and adapted to cooperate with a part of a securing memberof a rafter assembly.

[0013] In a first embodiment, the upstanding means may comprise a firstupstanding member extending from the rafter support member and a secondmember extending from the first member back toward the rafter supportmember.

[0014] In this embodiment the second member extends inwardly of therafter support member. The upstanding means may define a recess toreceive a cooperating part of a securing member of a rafter assembly,the recess allowing said cooperating part to move to accommodate adesired position of the rafter assembly.

[0015] The beam member is preferably formed of a steel material or othersuitable material for example aluminium.

[0016] The securing means preferably includes pivot receiving meanswhich may comprise a curved member, for receiving a pivot on thesecuring member, whereby the securing means allows the rafter to pivotto said desired position about the pivot receiving means.

[0017] Preferably, the securing means includes a stop member to preventmovement of the co-operating part therebeyond. The securing means mayinclude a holding region, whereby the co-operating part of the rafter isheld between the recess and the holding portion.

[0018] Preferably, the rafter support member extends outwardly inopposite directions from the main support member. Each of said raftersupport members may comprise securing means as described above.

[0019] The, or each, rafter support member as described above may beprovided along one edge region of the main support member. A furtherrafter support member may be provided along the opposite edge region ofthe main support member. The further rafter support member may comprisea securing means having the features as described above. In thepreferred embodiment, the second rafter support member may extend onopposite sides of said main support member, and each may comprise asecuring means at the free edge region on each side. Each securing meansmay be as described above. Preferably, the, or each securing means isadapted to engage on an outward surface thereof of the holding memberfor a cap to be secured to the beam member.

[0020] In a second embodiment, the upstanding means comprises a stepextending outwardly of the rafter support member and adapted tocooperate with a detent on a securing member of a rafter assembly.Preferably the upstanding means comprises a first upstanding memberextending from the rafter support member and a second member extendingfrom the first member back toward the rafter support member outwardly ofthe rafter support member to provide said step.

[0021] The rafter support member may comprise means for holding a capengaging member. Preferably the rafter support member is shaped toprovide a re-entrant aperture to hold a cap engaging member. Preferablytwo of said rafter support members are provided on opposite sides of themain support member and, together, the rafter support members may be soshaped to define the aperture.

[0022] According to another aspect of this invention there is provided aroof assembly comprising a beam member as described above and a rafterassembly, wherein the rafter assembly comprises a rafter and a securingmember on the rafter to secure the rafter assembly to the beam member,the securing member including a co-operating part which can cooperatewith the securing means on the beam member to secure the rafter assemblyto the beam member.

[0023] In one embodiment, the co-operating part on the securing memberof the rafter assembly can be received in the recess in the securingmeans of the first embodiment to secure the rafter assembly to the beammember. The co-operating part may be in the form of a limb member havingone end region receivable in the pivot receiving means, and may alsoinclude another end region which can engage the stop member, therebybeing prevented from moving beyond it.

[0024] The rafter assembly may further include a glazing bar, which maybe as described above, the glazing bar having capping means on one endthereof. The capping means may comprise a first capping member havingthe securing member thereon. The first capping member may also include aholding means for holding a fastening member to fasten the first cappingmember to the glazing bar.

[0025] The holding means may comprise a channel member defining achannel having an open side and inwardly extending flange membersextending from opposite side walls of the channel member part way acrossthe open side, whereby the channel can receive the head of a bolt.

[0026] The first capping member may further include adjustment meansadapted to cooperate with second adjustment means on the second cappingmember.

[0027] The first and second adjustment means may cooperate with eachther to adjust the height of the capping means for different heights ofthe glazing bar.

[0028] Preferably the first adjustment means comprises a planar memberhaving a plurality of outwardly extending detents each extendinglengthwise along at least one side, and preferably both sides. Thesecond adjustment means may comprise a pair of generally parallel planarmembers, at least one of which, and preferably each planar member, has aplurality of inwardly extending detents to engage and cooperate with theoutwardly extending detents on the first adjustment means.

[0029] The second capping member also includes a curved portion toengage the glazing bar wherein the curved portion defines an arc wherebythe radius of said arc extends generally from the pivot on the securingmember of the first capping member.

[0030] In another embodiment, the rafter assembly includes clip holdingmeans to secure thereto a clip for holding the rafter. The clip holdingmeans may comprise a securing formation to cooperate with the step ofthe second embodiment to secure the clip holding means to the upstandingmeans.

[0031] The clip holding means may comprise a channel member defining achannel having an open side and a pair of flanges extending inwardlyfrom opposite side walls of the channel member part way across said openside.

[0032] Preferably, the clip holding means includes a stop member toengage the rafter support member to prevent or inhibit movement of theclip holding member.

[0033] According to another aspect of this invention there is provided aridge end member for a hipped roof arrangement, the ridge end membercomprising a plurality of segments extending radially outwardly from ahub member, and each segment comprising an el ngate mounting member onan edge thereof opposite the hub member to which a plurality of glazingbars can be mounted.

[0034] The ridge end member is advantageously formed of a suitablematerial which can be formed into shape and has sufficient strength, forexample aluminium, a moulded plastics material, such as a mineral fillednylon, or a cast metal, such as zinc alloy or aluminium alloy.

[0035] Preferably, each mounting member is attached to its respectivesegment by a length of material having a thickness which is less thanthe thickness of the respective mounting member.

[0036] The ridge end member may further include a plurality of sleeves,wherein at least a respective one of said sleeves is slidable over arespective mounting member. Preferably, the mounting members are of asubstantially circular cross-section, and the sleeves have across-section corresponding to the mounting members. Preferably, each ofthe mounting members is pivotable about its principal axis on therespective mounting member. The sleeves may be formed of a suitablematerial which can be formed into shape and has sufficient strength forexample a material from which the ridge end member can be formed.

[0037] Each of the sleeves may comprise a formation to which a glazingbar may be secured. Preferably, the formation comprises a groove formedin the sleeve. Preferably, the groove has a generally T-shapedconfiguration.

[0038] The hub member may be provided to connect the ridge end to aridge part of the roof. The hub member may be of a T-shapedconfiguration which may have first and second elongate slots on eitherarm of the T, and a recess may be defined in the body of the T.Preferably, at the end of the T, a further elongate slot may beprovided.

[0039] A connecting device may be provided to connect the ridge endmember to said part of the roof arrangement. Preferably, the connectingdevice comprises a first connecting projection receivable in the saidrecess, and a sec nd connecting projection attachable to said part ofthe roof. Preferably, an attachment member, which may comprise a plateis provided between the first and second connecting projections. Theattachment member may be provided with apertures through which fasteningdevices, for example screws or bolts, may be inserted to be received inthe first and second slots. The first connecting projection may beprovided with a bore to be arranged in register with the third slot andconnected thereto using suitable fastening means, for example a bolt.The connecting device may be formed of a suitable material which can beformed into shape and is of sufficiently strength, for example, amaterial from which the ridge end member can be formed.

[0040] The connecting device may be provided with indicia to representthe angle to the horizontal at which the glazing bars can extendtherefrom. The indicia are preferably in the form of graduationsprovided on the attachment member and may be so arranged that alignmentof the top of the hub member with a selected one of said graduationsindicates the angle at which the glazing bars should extend from theridge end member.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provideda wing member for a valley rafter assembly, the wing member comprisingfirst and second elements secured together, wherein each of the firstand second elements comprises a portion of a mounting formation, and thefirst and second elements being arranged such that the mounting portionstogether form the mounting formation to which a glazing bar can bemounted.

[0042] Preferably, each of the first and second elements is in the formof an elongate strip which are desirably secured together lengthwise ofeach other in face-to-face contact along a part of the width of eachstrip.

[0043] The mounting formation may be in the form of an elongateopen-topped channel, which may receive therein a part of a fasteningmeans, for example a head of a bolt, to fasten the glazing bar to thewing member.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, each of the first and second elementsfurther includes a portion of a pivot receiving formation, such that thepivot receiving portions together form the pivot receiving formation toreceive a pivot member. Thus, in this embodiment, the wing member canpivot about the pivot member.

[0045] The wing member may further include an upstanding portion whichis preferably formed from one of the first and second elements. Theupstanding portion is preferably configured to cooperate with a capping.Preferably, the upstanding portion includes a capping engaging regionformed from a folded section of the upstanding portion. Preferably, thefolded section includes a first folded member in which the upstandingportion is folded back upon itself, and may further include a secondfolded member in which the first folded member is folded back uponitself, whereby the second folded member is arranged between theupstanding portion and the first folded member.

[0046] According to another aspect of this invention there is provided avalley rafter assembly comprising first and second wing members, atleast one of said wing members being as described above.

[0047] Preferably, both of the first and second wing members are asdescribed above. The first and second wing members may be arranged inmirror image relationship.

[0048] The first and second wing members are preferably movable relativeto each other and the assembly may include a pivot to pivotally connectthe first and second wing members together. The assembly may indude acapping member to be secured to the first and second wing members.

[0049] According to another aspect of this invention, there is pr videda bracket arrangement for connecting a first rafter assembly to a secondrafter assembly, the bracket arrangement comprising a first bracketmountable on the first rafter assembly and a second bracket mountable onthe second rafter assembly, and the arrangement further includingsecuring means for securing the first bracket to the second bracket,wherein the first bracket comprises a first main portion and first meansfor holding the securing means in adjustable relationship relative tothe first main portion, and the second bracket comprises a second mainportion and second means for holding the securing means in adjustablerelationship relative to the second main portion.

[0050] Preferably, the first holding means comprises a channel memberdefining an open-topped channel for receiving a part of the securingmeans therein. Preferably, the channel is elongate and the securingmeans is movable lengthwise of the channel. The first holding means maybe pivotally attached to the first main portion and may be so attachedlengthwise of the first main portion. The holding means may be pivotallyattached to the first main portion by an elongate pivot pin.

[0051] The first main portion may have a generally L-shaped profile, andthe holding means may be mountable on the first main portion at thelower limb of the L.

[0052] The second holding means may comprise an elongate projectionextending from the second main portion and defining at the free endthereof a receiving member to receive a part of the securing means.Preferably, said part of the securing means is movable within thereceiving member to adjust the position of the second rafter relative tothe first rafter.

[0053] Preferably, the second main portion comprises a pair of rafterengaging members connected together by said elongate projection, wherebythe rafter engaging members can be arranged one on either side of therafter.

[0054] The receiving member may have an annular configuration and theprojection may include an elongate member extending from each of therafter engaging members to the receiving member.

[0055] The securing means may be in the form of a bolt. The head of thebolt may be received in the channel of the channel member and the shankof the bolt may be received by the receiving member to be securedthereto by a nut.

[0056] Each of the first and second brackets is preferably fastened tothe respective first and second rafter assemblies by fastening meanswhich may be in the form of nuts and bolts. Each of the main portions ofthe first and second brackets may define an aperture through which thefastening means can extend. The apertures may be in the form of slots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way ofexample only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0058]FIGS. 1A to 1F are cross-sectional end views of rafterarrangements;

[0059]FIG. 1G is a cross-sectional end view of a further embodiment of arafter arrangement;

[0060]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional profile view of a beam arrangement;

[0061]FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional end views of two versions of afurther embodiment of a beam arrangement;

[0062]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional end view of an eaves assembly;

[0063]FIGS. 6A and 6B are respectively perspective views in oppositedirections of a ridge end;

[0064]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a connecting member for use withthe ridge end shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B;

[0065]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a beam attachment member for usewith the ridge end shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B;

[0066]FIGS. 9 and 10 show a ridge end arrangement and the way in whichthe components thereof are secured together.

[0067]FIGS. 11 and 12 are end views of a valley rafter assembly in twopositions;

[0068]FIG. 13 is a partially exploded view of a bracket arrangement inuse on first and second rafter assemblies;

[0069]FIG. 14 is a partially exploded view f the second bracket in useon the second rafter assembly; and

[0070]FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing rafter assemblies connectedby the bracket arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1C, there are shown three versions of arafter arrangement 10, the versions being identical, with the exceptionthat they are each holding a different thickness of glazing 30A, 30B.

[0072] In FIGS. 1A to 1C, the rafter arrangement 10 comprises a glazingbar 12 comprising a main support member 14, and a first cap engagingmember 16 extending from an edge region 18 of the support member 14. Theglazing bar 12 is preferably formed of a steel material, but can beformed of any other suitable material, for example aluminium. The capengaging member 16 comprises first and second outwardly extendingportions 20A, 20B extending in opposite directions from the supportmember 14, and at the opposite free edge regions of each of theoutwardly extending portions 20A, 20B there is provided a securingportion 21A, 21B to which an elongate cap 22, formed of a suitableplastics material is secured, the cap 22 extending the length of theglazing bar 12.

[0073] Each of the securing portions 21A, 21B comprises an outwardlycurved portion 23, an upwardly extending straight portion 24 runningsubstantially parallel to the support member 14, and an inwardly curvedportion 25. The cap 22 comprises a base member 26 and side portions 27A,27B which, extend upwardly from the base portion 26 to run parallel tothe respective straight portions 24 of the securing portions 21A, 21B,and inwardly extending portions 28A, 28B, sealing members 29A, 29Bextend from the inwardly extending portions 28A, 28B respectively andengage the glazing members 30A, 30B.

[0074] At the upper edge region 32 of the support member 14 there isprovided a second cap engaging member 34 which comprises a firstoutwardly extending portion 36A extending on one side of the supportmember 14, and a second outwardly extending member 36B on the oppositeside of the support member 14. The first and second outwardly extendingportions 36A, 36B point towards the first cap engaging member 16. Thesecond cap engaging member 34 engages a second elongate cap 38 which isprovided with inwardly extending barbed members 40A, 40B each beingprovided with a; plurality of upwardly facing barbs 42. As can be seenin FIG. 1A, the outwardly extending portions 36A, 36B engage the upperbarbs 42 on the second cap 38. Each side of the cap 38 comprises arespective arm 44A, 44B which terminate at a respective seal 46A, 46Bwhich engages the upper surface of the respective glazing 30A, 30B.

[0075] As can be seen, in FIG. 1A, the glazings 30A, 30B to be held arenarrow and, hence, the outwardly extending portions 36A, 36B of thefurther cap engaging member 34 each engage the uppermost of the threedetent formations in the form of barbs 42 on the cap 38. The uppermostbarb 42 as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1F is the narrowest, the adjacent middlebarb 42 is wider than the uppermost barb 42, and the lowermost barb 42is wider than the middle barb 42.

[0076] In FIG. 1B the thickness of the glazing member 30A, 30B is of anintermediate size and, therefore, the outwardly extending portions 36A,36B engage the middle of the three barbs 42. In FIG. 1C, the glazings30A, 30B are of a thicker cross-section and, therefore, the outwardlyextending portions 36A, 36B of the second cap engaging member 34 engagethe lower most barbs 42.

[0077] It can thus be seen, that the glazing bar 12 can be used to holddifferent thicknesses of glazing 30A, 30B.

[0078] The assemblies as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C form flat roofs. InFIGS. 1D to 1F there are shown the same arrangement as in FIGS. 1A to1B, but in FIGS. 1D to 1F, the roof is a hipped roof with the glazings30A, 30B extending at an angle to the horizontal to suit the desiredpitch, for example 30°. In addition, as can be seen, the lower capmember 22 is in a deformed configurati n such that the base 26 has aprofile in the shape of an upside-down V. All the features in FIGS. 1Dto 1F are provided with the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1A to1B. As with FIGS. 1A to 1B, three different thicknesses of glazing 30A,30B can be used. In FIG. 1D, the glazings 30A, 30B are of a narrowthickness, in FIG. 1E, the glazings 30A, 30B are of an intermediatethickness, and in FIG. 1F, the glazings 30A, 30B are of a widethickness.

[0079] At a central region of each of the outwardly extending portions20A, 20B there is provided a respective raised portion 21C through whicha bolt can be inserted to secure the glazing bar to another member forexample an eaves beam, a ridge beam or a wall plate. The angle at whichthe bolt extends through the outwardly extending portions 20A, 20B, willdepend upon the angle of the base 26 to the outwardly extendingportions. The provision of the raised portion 21C allows the head of thebolt to be arranged approximately tangentially to at least a part of theoutwardly extending portions 20A, 20B.

[0080]FIG. 1G shows a further embodiment of the rafter arrangement 10which includes a glazing bar 12. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1Gincludes many of the features of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1F,and these have been designated with the same reference numeral.

[0081] The rafter arrangement 10 shown in FIG. 1G differs from thearrangement 10 in FIGS. 1A to 1F in that the inwardly curving portion 23of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1F is omitted, and the securingportions 21A, 21B terminate at the end of the upwardly extendingstraight portion 24.

[0082] A further difference is that the support member 14 is providedwith screw ports 50, 52 to receive screws to secure an end member (notshown) or other component to the end of the glazing bar 12.

[0083] Although only one configuration of rafter arrangement 10 has beenshown in connection with the glazing bar 12 in FIG. 1G, (i.e. aconfiguration similar to FIG. 1A) it will be appreciated that otherconfigurations of the rafter arrangement 10, for example theconfigurations shown in FIGS. 1B to 1F, could also be formed using theglazing bar 12 shown in FIG. 1a.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a first embodiment of a ridgeassembly 110 of a conservatory having a hipped roof. The ridge assemblysupports two rafter assemblies 10 having glazing 30 on opposite sides ofthe ridge assembly 110 and comprises a beam member 112 which comprises amain support member 114 having provided thereon carrying means 116 atthe lower edge region 118 of the support member 114. The beam member 112is preferably formed of a steel material and may be manufactured byrolling. The beam member 112 may alternatively be formed of any othersuitable material, for example aluminium.

[0085] The carrying means 116 comprises two outwardly extending raftersupport members 120A, 120B extending on opposite sides of the mainsupport member 114. At the outer edge region of the outwardly extendingmembers 120A, 120B, there is provided respective securing means 121A,121B. Each of the securing means 121A, 121B comprises a section 122defining a recess 123 to receive an pivot portion 146 of a first cappingmember 142. Extending downwardly from the curved portion 122 there is aprovided a straight section 126 which extends to a further curvedportion 127. The further curved portion 127 extends inwardly from thestraight section 126 to a stop member 128.

[0086] The pivot portion 146 of the first capping member 142 has a limbmember 148 extending therefrom which, when the pivot portion 146 isreceived in the recess 123, engages the further curved portion 127. Thisallows pivotal movement of the limb member 148 about the pivot portion146 thereby allowing each rafter assembly 10 to be arranged at a desiredangle.

[0087] A cap member 130 is mounted on the securing portions 121A, 121Bvia connecting members 132 on each of the securing portions 121A, 121B.A plurality of connecting members 132 are provided along the length ofeach of the securing portions 121A, 121B. Adjacent connecting members132 are spaced from each other n their respective securing portions121A, 121B. If desired, alternatively a single connecting member 132 culd extend the length of the respective securing portions 121A, 121B.Each connecting member 132 comprises curved portions 132A whichcorrespond in configuration to the securing portions 121A, 121B. Abarbed member 132B extends from the curved portion 132A. The barbedmember 132B is provided with barbs on the outside thereof. The capmember 130 comprises a main body portion 130A and a pair of inwardlyextending barbed members 130B on the main body portion 130A. The barbedmembers 130B are provided with barbs on the inside thereof and receiveand co-operate with the barbed members 132B. The barbed members 130B,132B are provided with a plurality of mating barbs and aremicro-adjustable with respect to each other. The purpose of themicro-adjustment is to accommodate any desired angle of the rafters 10.This ensures that the outer edges of the cap member 130 abut the rafters10 at any angle of the rafter assemblies 10 to the horizontal.

[0088] At the opposite edge 134 of the support member 114 there isprovided a further carrying means 135 having two outwardly extendingmembers 136A, 136B which comprise, at opposite ends thereof, furthersecuring carrying 121C, 121D. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the furthersecuring portions 121C, 121D are upside-down relative to the securingportions 121A, 121B, but comprise the same features as securing portions121A, 121B. Arranged around the outside of the securing portions 121C,121D are connecting members 132 which are the same as the connectingmembers 132 connected to the securing portions 121A, 121B. Theconnecting members 132 are connected to a cap member 138 via inwardlyextending barbed members 140A, 140B which receive and co-operate withthe barbed members 132B on the connecting members 132. The barbedmembers 140A and 140B are provided with a plurality of inwardlyextending barbs to mate with the outwardly extending barbs on the barbedmembers 132B. This renders the positions of the barbed members 132B,140A and 140B micro-adjustable with respect to each other, whereby theedges of the cap member 138 can be adjusted up and down to accommodateany suitable thickness of glazing in the rafters 10.

[0089] Each securing portion 121C, 121D includes a curved end member121E. The connecting members 132 have corresponding curved members 132Cand each is initially fitted onto the curved end member 121E of therespective securing portion 121C, 121D before being snapped into theposition, as shown, around the respective securing portion 121C, 121D.The securing portions 121A, 121B at the respective outwardly extendingportions 120A, 120B are also provided with similar curved end members121E and the connecting members 132 are similarly provided with curvedmembers 132C which are fitted together in the same way.

[0090] A securing member in the form of capping means 141 is provided onthe end of the glazing bar of the rafter assemblies 10. Each cappingmeans 140 comprises a first capping member 142 and a second cappingmember 144.

[0091] The first capping member 142 comprises a pivot portion 146, limbmember 148 extending downwardly from the pivot portion 146. The limbmember 148 has an end 150 spaced from the pivot portion 146. The limbmember 148 is pivotally movable between the position shown in FIG. 2 inwhich the end 150 engages the stop member 128, which prevents movementtherebeyond, and the position in which the limb member engages thestraight section 126 of the respective securing portions 121A and 121B.

[0092] The first capping member 142 also includes holding means in theform of a channel member 152 defining an open sided channel 154 toreceive the head 156 of a bolt 158. The bolt 158 can be slid along thelength of the channel 154. The shank of the bolt 158 is received througha part of the glazing bar of the rafter assembly 10. In one embodiment,where the glazing bar of the rafter assembly 10 is the same as theglazing bars shown in FIGS. 1A to 1G the shank of the bolt 158 isreceived through an aperture in the outwardly extending portions 20A or20B. A nut is then threadably tightened onto the shank of the bolt 158.Also held in the channel 154 is a sealing member 157 having sealingportions 159 which seal against the underside of the glazing 30.

[0093] The first capping member 142 is adjustably mounted on the secondcapping member 144 by adjustment means comprising a first adjustmentmember 160 on the first capping member 142 and a second adjustmentmember 162 on the second capping member 144. The first adjustment member160 comprises a planar member having outwardly extending detents on eachside of the planar member. The second adjustment member 162 comprises apair of generally parallel planar members which can receive therebetweenthe first adjustment means 160. Each of the planar members of the secondadjustment means 162 comprises inwardly extending detents which cancooperate with the outwardly extending detents on the first adjustmentmeans 162. Thus, the height of the capping means 141 can be adjusted toaccommodate different heights of glazing bar in the rafter assembly 10.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown two versions of asecond embodiment of a ridge assembly 110, which comprises generally thesame features as described above with reference to FIG. 2, and thesefeatures have been designated with the same reference numerals. In thesecond embodiment, the securing means 121A, 121B comprises a firstupstanding member 170, and a second member 172 folded back across thefirst member 170 such that the second member 172 lies in face-to-facecontact with the first member 170, and forms a step 174 therewith. Asecuring member 176 is fastened to the securing means 121A by a securingformation in the form of a downwardly extending member 178 which engagesunderneath the step 174. The securing member 176 comprises a fasteningportion in the form of a channel member 180 defining a channel 182having an open side 184. A pair of inwardly directed flanges 186 extendfrom opposite side walls 188 part way across the open side 184. Theflanges 186 secure in the channel a sealing member 190 having sealingportions 191 which seal against glazing 30 of a rafter assembly 10. Thesealing member 190 is generally the same as the sealing member 157described above with the reference to FIG. 2. Also held within thechannel 182 is a bolt (not shown for reasons of clarity) in the same wayas the bolt 158 is held within the channel 154 f the embodiment shown inFIG. 1. Similarly, the bolt of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 issecured to the rafter assembly 10 in the same way as the bolt 158 shownin FIG. 2.

[0095] A stop member 192 extends from the channel member 180 to engagethe outwardly extending members 120A, 120B.

[0096] As can be seen, the outwardly extending members 120A, 120B isshaped in the vicinity of the main support member 114 to define anaperture 194 for holding a cap engaging member 196. A cappingarrangement 198 is held by the cap engaging member 196, as shown.

[0097] At the upper region of the beam member 112, a cap 200 is held bythe securing means 121C, 121D by triangular detents 202 which engage thesecuring means 121C, 121D.

[0098]FIG. 4 shows a version of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, butwhich differs only in that the outer regions of the outwardly extendingmembers 120A, 120B of FIG. 3 extend downwardly, whereas, in FIG. 4, theyare generally planar. This allows the rafter assemblies 10 in FIG. 3 toextend at a steeper angle from the beam member 112 than in FIG. 4.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown an eaves assembly 210. Theeaves member 210 comprises a beam member 212, which is preferably formedof a steel material, or any other suitable material, for examplealuminium. The beam member 212 may be formed by rolling and is similarin construction to the beam member 112 having a central main supportmember 214, and securing means 216 extending from edge region 218 of thesupport member 214. The securing means 216 comprises opposite outwardlyextending members 220A, 220B having at their free ends securing portions221A, 221B. The securing portions 221A, 221B are the same as thesecuring portions 121A, 121B and have the same features which areprovided with the same reference numerals.

[0100] At the opposite end region 234 of the support member 214 of theend region 218, there is provided a further securing means 236comprising opposite outwardly extending members 237A, 237B which arealso provided with respective securing portions 221C, 221D. As can beseen, only the securing portion 221C is used to secure the rafter 10. Aconnecting member 225, formed of aluminium, extends from the rafter 10and comprises an elbow portion 224 received in the recess 123 defined bythe curved region 122 of the securing portion 221C. A limb member 229extends from the elbow portion 224 and engages at its opposite edge withthe further curved portion 127.

[0101] As with the securing portions 121A, 121B, the limb member 229 canbe pivoted about the recess 123 to any desired angle against the furthercurved portion 127, to accommodate any angle of the rafter 10. Each ofthe securing portions 221A, 221B, 221C and 221D also secures to the beammember 212 a respective cover plate 235A or 235B. Each of the coverplates 235A, 235B has respective connecting members 238, 239 to engagethe outside of the securing portions 221A, 221B, 221C and 221D. Aguttering 240 is attached lengthwise to the cover plate 235B at a recess241. The recess 241 can receive clip means (not shown) to fix theguttering 240 to the cover plate 235B. The cover plate 235A comprisesinwardly extending projections 242 to engage a corresponding formationon a capping member (not shown) at a corner between adjacent coverplates 235A.

[0102]FIGS. 6A and 6B, and 7 to 10 show a ridge end arrangement. FIGS.6A and 6B show respectively rear and front perspective views of anexample of a ridge end member 310, which is formed of a suitablematerial such as moulded plastics material, for example a mineral fillednylon, of a cast metal, for example zinc or aluminium alloy andcomprises a plurality of segments 312, 314, 316, 318, 320 extending froma hub member 324. Three of the segments namely segments 314, 316 and 318are full segments, each occupying approximately a quarter of the spaceoccupied by all the segments, whereas each of the segments 312, 320occupies half the space of the full segments 314, 316 and 318.

[0103] Each of these segments 312 to 320 is substantially triangular inconfiguration and comprises a top portion 322 extending from the top ofthe hub member 324. As can be seen, the top portion 322 of each segmentdefines an aperture 326 therein which is formed in each upper portion322 for weight and cost saving.

[0104] At the opposite edge of each of the segments from the hub member324, there is provided a substantially cylindrical connecting member 330to which can be connected an appropriate sleeve 332 (see FIG. 7) toenable a rafter to be attached thereto.

[0105] The ridge end member 310 is so configured in the embodimentdescribed that the cylindrical connecting members 330 are arranged inthe finished conservatory substantially parallel to corresponding eavesof the conservatory. Clearly, it will be appreciated by the skilledperson that the ridge end member 310 can be of any suitableconfiguration, providing the arrangement of the cylindrical connectingmembers 330 correspond to the desired arrangement of the eaves of theconservatory.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 7, the sleeve 332 is formed of a suitablematerial such as a material from which the ridge end member can beformed or an aluminium extrusion and defines a substantially cylindricalbore 334 therethrough which has an open edge 336 along part of theperiphery of the bore to enable the sleeve 332 to be slid onto one ofthe connecting members 330.

[0107] The connecting members 330 are connected to the segments 312 to320 via a thin strip 338, and the open edge 336 of each sleeve 332 isfitted over the strip 338 when arranged on the respective cylindricalconnecting member 330.

[0108] The ends of the cylindrical connecting member 330 are shaped sothat the sleeves 332 can be slid past the respective ends onto theadjacent cylindrical connecting member. Each end generally liessubstantially parallel to and in line with the adjacent edge of theadjacent segment.

[0109] The open edge 336 of each cylindrical bore 334 is wider than therespective strip 338 which enables the sleeve 332 to be pivoted aboutthe respective connecting cylinders 330 to enable the rafter mountedthereon (as will be explained below) to extend from the ridge end member310 at a desired angle.

[0110] At the top of each of the sleeves 330 there is provided aninverted T-shaped groove 340 which can receive an appropriate part of aconnecting member, for example the head of a bolt to connect the rafterthereto.

[0111] It will be appreciated that when the ridge end member 310 is inuse, and the sleeves 332 fitted thereto, the sleeves 332 will be mitredto allow them to fit together and the hip rafter can extend at themitred joint over adjacent sleeves 332.

[0112] Thus, a hip rafter can extend from a mitred joint defined by twoadjacent sleeves 332 and is provided with two bolts (not shown) toconnect the rafter to a respective one of the adjacent sleeves 332.Glazing bars can extend from central regions of the sleeves at anydesired angle by rotation of the sleeve.

[0113] The hub member 324 is adapted to co-operate with a connectingdevice in the form of a beam attachment member 342 shown in FIG. 8. Thebeam attachment member 342 comprises a centre support plate 344 on oneside of which extends a first connecting projection 346, and on theother side there extends in the opposite direction a second connectingprojection 348. The beam attachment member 342 is formed of a suitablematerial, for example a material from which the ridge end member can beformed.

[0114] The first connecting projection 346 extends substantially thelength of the plate 344, and is provided toward its lower end with acylindrical member 350 defining a bore 352 therethrough.

[0115] The first connecting projection 346 extends centrally of thesupport plate 344, and the second connecting projection 348 is slightlyoff-set from the first connecting projection 346. Two countersunkapertures 354, 356 are defined in the support plate 344 and are toaccommodate screws or bolts extended therethrough to be fitted intoappropriate slots in the hub member 324 on the ridge end 310.

[0116] The second connecting projection is provided with two apertures358, 360 to enable bolts to be inserted therethrough so it can be boltedto a ridge beam.

[0117] The hub member 324 has a T-shaped profile and defines along itsstem 361 a V-shaped recess 362 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) to receive thefirst connecting projection 346. At the end of the stem 361 of the T isa slot 364 through which a bolt can be passed to be threadably receivedin the bored cylinder 350 of the first connecting projection 346.

[0118] The arms 366 of the T are similarly provided with slots 368 whichcan receive bolts extending through the countersunk holes 356, 354 inthe plate 344. Thus, the position of the beam attachment member 342 onthe hub member 324 can be adjusted for height, to accommodate anydesired angular variation of the hip rafters extending from the jointsbetween adjacent sleeves, and the glazing bars extending from thecentral region of the respective sleeves.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 there is shown the ridge endarrangement and the way in which the components of the arrangement areconnected together. As shown, the sleeves 332 are slid over therespective cylindrical member 330. The first connecting projection 346of the beam attachment member 342 is in the form of a trapezoidalsubstantially flat plate, which is received in the recess 362. The bore352 in the cylindrical member 350 is aligned with the slot 364. The bore352 is preferably provided with threads, and the shank of a bolt 352passes thr ugh the slot 364 t threadably engage the b re 352.

[0120] The shanks of screws 349 pass through the apertures 354 (notvisible in FIG. 9), 356 in the centre plate 344 and through the slots368 (not visible in FIG. 9) to be threadably secured to nuts 369.

[0121] Thus, the beam attachment member 342 is secured to the ridge endmember by the screws 349 and the bolt 353.

[0122] Indicia 362 are provided on the plate 344 and indicate the levelat which the top of the hub member 324 is to be secured to the beamattachment member 342. The indicia represent the angle to the horizontalat which the glazing bars extend from the ridge end member 310. Indiciahigher up the centre support plate 344 indicate a shallower angle to theor horizontal, whereas indicia lower down the centre plate 344 indicatea steeper angle to the horizontal.

[0123] Screws 364 are provided to secure the second connectingprojection 348 to the glazing bar 10. The shanks of the screws 364extend through the apertures in the second connecting projections 348and through drilled apertures 366 in the glazing bar 10. The screws 364are threadably secured to nuts (not visible) on the opposite side of theglazing bar 10. The second connecting projection 348 is in the form of asubstantially planar plate.

[0124] As can be seen, the apertures in the second connecting projectionare arranged generally horizontally, whereas the apertures 358, 360 inthe second connecting projection 348 shown in FIG. 6 are arrangedvertically. As will be appreciated, the precise orientation of theapertures in the second connecting projection 348 can be varied asdesired.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is shown a valley rafterassembly 410. FIG. 9 shows the assembly 410 at the minimum angle betweenthe two sides, and FIG. 10 shows the assembly 410 at the maximum anglebetween the two sides.

[0126] The valley rafter assembly 410 is generally intended for use inroofs, for example conservatory roofs which define a valley where twosections of the roof meet. The valley rafter assembly 410 comprisesfirst and second wing members 412, 414 which are pivotally movablebetween a first, or minimum angle position shown in FIG. 11 and asecond, or maximum angle position shown in FIG. 12. Each wing member 412or 414 comprises first and second elements in the form of elongate metalstrips 416, 418. The metal may be steel, and the strips 416, 418 areconnected substantially along the whole of their length across part oftheir width. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the region at which the strips 416, 418are secured together is designated 420.

[0127] The strips 416, 418 may be secured together by any suitable meansknown in the art, for example by a press joint, or welding.

[0128] Each of the wing members 412, 414 is formed of two portions,namely an upstanding section 422, and a lateral section 424. Eachlateral section 424 is attached at its respective free end to a rafterassembly generally designated 426. The rafter assemblies 426 are securedto the lateral sections 424 at mounting formations 428 provided on thelateral section 424.

[0129] Each of the mounting formations 428 is formed from a firstmounting portion 430 provided on the first strip. 416, and a secondmounting portion 432 provided on the second strip 418. The mountingportions 430, 432 are formed by appropriate bending, or rolling of thefree end regions of the respective strips 416, 418.

[0130] As can be seen from FIGS. 11 and 12, the mounting formations 428are in the form of generally open-topped channels having inwardlydirected flanges, and can receive therein the head of a bolt 434 whichcan be used to secure the rafter assemblies 426 to the respectivemounting formations 428. The shank of the bolt 434 passes through acylinder 550 (not shown in FIG. 11 or 12) which forms part of a bracket540 (not shown in FIG. 9 or 10). The construction and function of thebracket 540 is described below with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15. Themounting formati ns 428 can receive therein projecti ns 436 of a holdingmember 438 to secure the holding member 438 to the mounting formation428. The rafter assemblies 426 may be in the form of rafter arrangements10 described earlier in the specification.

[0131] The holding member 438 includes an upstand 470 which engages adownwardly extending element 472 of an end cap 474 mounted on theglazing panel of the rafter assembly 426. The upstand 470 preventsslippage of the glazing panel towards the wing members 412, 414. The endcap 474 may be formed of a suitable material such as aluminium.

[0132] The upstanding portion 422 of each of the wing members 412, 414is formed from the first strip 416 and comprises a first support section440, and a second capping engaging sections 442.

[0133] The capping engaging section 442 comprises a plurality of folds.The end fold is arranged between the first and second folds. The capengaging portion 442 of each of the wing members 412, 414 is received inrespective correspondingly shaped receiving recesses 444 of a cap member446 receiving recesses 444 of a cap member 446. As can be seen bycomparing FIGS. 11 and 12, when the rafter assembly 410 is in itsminimum angle position, as shown in FIG. 11, the foldable centralsection 448 is folded such that the two sides engage each other, whereasin FIG. 12, the two sides of the foldable central section are splayedapart.

[0134] Each of the wing members 412, 414 also includes a pivot receivingformation 450 arranged between the upstanding portion 422 and thelateral section 424. The pivot receiving formation 450 receives withinit part of a pivot member 452. The respective pivot receiving portions450 of each of the wing members 412, 414 receive a respective part onopposite sides of the pivot member 452.

[0135] The pivot receiving portion 450 is formed from a first pivotreceiving portion 454 on the first strip 416. The first pivot receivingportion 454 is in the form of a curved part of the strip 416 between theupstanding portion 442 and the region of the strip 416 which forms thelateral section 424.

[0136] The pivot receiving formation 450 is also formed from an endportion 456 of the second strip 418, the portion 456 being shaped toreceive the pivot member 452 and hold the pivot member 452 in the pivotreceiving formation 450, to allow the wing members 412, 414 to pivotaround the pivot member 452 to suit any angular variations in the pitchof either or both adjacent roof sections.

[0137] Respective lower capping members 458 are secured to the lateralsection 424 by engaging at their opposite ends with the pivot receivingformation 450 and the mounting formation 428.

[0138] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, there is shown a bracket arrangement510 for use in connecting a first rafter assembly 512 to a second rafterassembly 514, such that the second rafter assembly extends transversefrom a central region of the first rafter assembly 512.

[0139] The bracket arrangement 510 comprises a first bracket 516 whichis of a generally L-shaped profile having an upstanding limb 518 and alower limb 520. The upstanding limb 518 defines a slot 522 through whichthe shanks of a pair of screws 524 can extend to pass through holes inthe first rafter assembly and be threadably tightened onto nuts 526. Ascan be seen, the first bracket 516 is connected to one side of the firstrafter assembly 512 and a further first bracket 516A is secured on theopposite side of the first rafter assembly 512 in a correspondingposition to the first bracket 516.

[0140] A channel member 528 defining a channel 530 can receive the headof a bolt 532. The channel member 528 is piv tally mounted to the lowerlimb 520 of the bracket 516 by a pivot rod 534 which extends throughchannels 536 at opposite ends of the bracket 516 and through a pinreceiving cylinder 538 on the channel member 528. Thus the channelmember 528 can pivot about the rod 534 to allow the second rafterassembly to be connected thereto at a desired angle.

[0141] The bracket arrangement 510 includes a second bracket 540 whichis mounted on the second rafter assembly 514. Referring to FIG. 14, itwill be seen that the second bracket 540 comprises a pair of plates 542arranged in mirror image relationship to each other and defining a gap544 therebetween. A projection 546 extends from the plates 542 anddefines at its free end 548 a cylinder 550 defining a bore 552 throughwhich the shank of the bolt 532 can be received and will be explainedbelow.

[0142] Each of the plates 542 defines a slot 554 through which screws556 can extend to secure the second bracket 540 to the second rafterassembly 514. The slots 554 are aligned with each other, and the screws556 are first received into washers 558 and the bracket 540 is thenfitted onto the second rafter assembly 514 such that the two plates 542are arranged on respective opposite sides of the rafter assembly 514.The shanks of the screws 556 are then passed through the slots 554 andthe apertures 560 and nuts 562 are then tightened onto the screws 556.

[0143] The second bracket 540 is mounted onto the second rafter assembly514 such that the projection 546 extends beyond the end of the secondrafter assembly 514 to enable it to be attached to the first bracket516. In order to attach the second bracket 540 to the first bracket 516,the receiving member 550 passes over the shank of the bolt 532 and a nut564 is then tightened onto the bolt 532 when the second rafter assembly514 is in the desired position.

[0144] As can be seen from FIG. 15, the use of two first brackets 516,516A enables a pair of second rafter assemblies 514, 514A to be attachedto the first rafter assembly 512.

[0145] There is thus described in relation to FIGS. 13 to 15 a bracketarrangement which will allow pivoting of the first and second rafterassemblies 512, 514 relative to each other in a vertical plane about thepivot rod 534. The arrangement will also allow pivoting of the first andsecond rafter assemblies 512, 514 relative to each other in a horizontalplane about the bolt 532.

[0146] Various modifications can be made without departing from thescope of the invention. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoingspecification to draw attention to those features of the inventionbelieved to be of particular importance it should be understood that theApplicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature orcombination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in thedrawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

1. A beam member for a roof arrangement, the beam member comprising amain support member and a rafter support member for supporting a rafterassembly, the rafter support member extending outwardly from the mainsupport member, wherein securing means is provided on the rafter supportmember at an edge region of the rafter support member, the securingmeans comprising upstanding means extending from the rafter supportmember and adapted to cooperate with a part of a securing member of arafter assembly.
 2. A beam member according to claim 1 wherein theupstanding means comprises a first upstanding member extending from therafter support member and a second member extending from the firstmember back toward the rafter support member.
 3. A beam member accordingto claim 2 wherein the second member extends inwardly of the raftersupport member, and the upstanding means defines a recess to receive acooperating part of a securing member of the rafter assembly, the recessallowing said cooperating part to move to accommodate a pre-selectedposition of the rafter assembly.
 4. A beam member according to claim 3wherein the securing means includes a pivot receiving means comprising acurved portion of the second member for receiving a pivot on thesecuring member, whereby the securing means allows the rafter assemblyto pivot to the desired position about the pivot receiving means.
 5. Abeam member according to claim 3 wherein the securing means includes astop member to prevent movement of the co-operating part beyond it, thesecuring means including a holding portion, whereby the co-operatingpart of the rafter is held between the recess and the holding portion.6. A beam member according to claim 5 wherein the rafter support memberextends outwardly in opposite directions from the main support member,each of said rafter support members comprising said securing means.
 7. Abeam member according to claim 5 wherein the, or each, rafter supportmember is provided along one edge region of the main support member, anda further rafter support member is provided along the opposite edgeregion of the main support member, the further rafter support membercomprising one of said securing means.
 8. A beam member according toclaim 7 wherein the second rafter support member extends on oppositesides of said main support member, and each securing means is adapted toengage on an outward surface thereof of the holding member for a cap tobe secured to the beam member.
 9. A beam member according to claim 1wherein the upstanding means comprises a step extending outwardly of therafter support member and adapted to cooperate with a detent on thesecuring member of a rafter assembly.
 10. A beam member according toclaim 9 wherein the upstanding means comprises a first upstanding memberextending from the rafter support member and a second member extendingfrom the first member back toward the rafter support member outwardly ofthe rafter support member.
 11. A beam member according to claim 9wherein the rafter support member includes means for holding a capengaging member.
 12. A beam member according to claim 11 including arafter support member on opposite sides of the main support memberwherein the rafter support members are shaped to provide a re-entrantaperture to hold the cap engaging member.
 13. A roof assembly comprisinga beam member as claimed in claim 1 and a rafter assembly, wherein therafter assembly comprises a rafter and a securing member on the rafterto secure the rafter assembly to the beam member, the securing memberincluding a co-operating part which can cooperate with securing means onthe beam member to secure the rafter assembly to the beam member.
 14. Aroof assembly according to claim 13 wherein the cooperating part on thesecuring member of the rafter assembly can be received in a recess inthe securing means to secure the rafter assembly to the beam member. 15.A roof assembly according to claim 14 including the rafter comprises aglazing bar, and the securing member comprises capping means on one endof the glazing bar, the capping means comprising a first capping member,having the securing member thereon, and a second capping memberadjustably attached to the first capping member.
 16. A roof assemblyaccording to claim 15 wherein the first capping member includes holdingmeans for holding a fastening member to fasten the first capping memberto the glazing bar.
 17. A roof assembly according to claim 16 whereinthe holding means comprises a channel member defining a channel havingan open side and inwardly extending flange members extending fromopposite side walls of the channel member part way across the open side,whereby the channel can receive the head of a bolt.
 18. A roof assemblyaccording to claim 15 wherein each of the first and second cappingmembers comprise respective first and second adjustment means whichcooperate with each other to allow adjustment means which cooperate witheach other to allow adjustment of the portion of the first cappingmember relative to the second capping member.
 19. A roof assemblyaccording to claim 18 wherein the first and second adjustment meanscooperate with each other to adjust the height of the capping means fordifferent heights of glazing bar.
 20. A roof assembly according to claim18 wherein the first adjustment means comprises a planar member having aplurality of outwardly extending detents arranged in succession in thedirection of adjustment of the first and second adjustment means.
 21. Aroof assembly according to claim 18 wherein the second adjustment meanscomprises a pair of generally parallel planar members having a pluralityof inwardly extending detents arranged in succession in the direction ofadjustment of the first and second adjustment means.
 22. A roof assemblyaccording to claim 15 wherein the second capping member includes acurved portion to engage the glazing bar, wherein the curved portionsubscribes an arc and the radius of the arc extends generally from thepivot on the securing member of the first capping member.
 23. A roofassembly according to claim 13 wherein the securing member comprises afastening portion to secure, thereto a fastening means for holding therafter, the securing member further including a securing formation tocooperate with a step provided on the upstanding means to secure thesecuring member thereto.
 24. A roof assembly according to claim 23wherein the fastening portion includes a channel member defining achannel having an open side and a pair of flanges extending inwardlyfrom opposite side walls of the channel member part way across the openside.
 25. A roof assembly according to claim 23 wherein the securingmember includes a stop member to engage the rafter support member toprevent or inhibit movement of the clip holding means.
 26. A glazing barcomprising a main support member and a cap engaging member on an edgeregion of the main support member, the cap engaging member comprising adetent portion extending from said edge region back towards an oppositeedge region of the main support member to engage a selected one of aplurality of corresponding detents on a cap to be engaged by the capengaging member.
 27. A glazing bar according to claim 26 wherein the capengaging member includes two of said detent portions, each extending onopposite sides of the main support member back toward said opposite edgethereof.
 28. A glazing bar according to claim 26 wherein the mainsupport member is formed from two elements secured together wherein thecap engaging member is in the form of folded back portions at the edgeregion of each element.
 29. A glazing bar according to claim 26 whereina second cap engaging member extends outwardly from said opposite edgeregion of the main support member and comprises an upstanding memberextending toward the first cap engaging member.
 30. A glazing baraccording to claim 29 wherein the second cap engaging member furtherincludes a curved portion extending inwardly from the upstanding member,the curved portion being adapted to engage a part of a second cap,whereby the curved portion is so curved such that said part of thesecond cap extends in use substantially tangentially to the curvedportion.
 31. A glazing bar according to claim 29 wherein the second capengaging member extends from the support member in substantiallyopposite directions, and the cap engaging member comprises two of saidupstanding members and a curved portion on each upstanding member.
 32. Aglazing bar according to claim 29 wherein the second cap engaging memberincludes at least one outwardly extending strip, the or each stripextending from the main support member.
 33. A glazing bar according toclaim 32 wherein the second cap engaging member includes first andsecond outwardly extending strips extending in opposite directions toeach other.
 34. A glazing bar according to claim 32 wherein the or eachof said outwardly extending portions includes a raised portion so shapedthat a fastening member can extend through said raised portion such thata part of the fastening member, engages the raised portion,substantially tangentially therewith.
 35. A glazing bar according toclaim 26 wherein the, or each, detent portion on the first cap engagingmember is adapted to co-operate with a selected detent formation on saidfirst cap, whereby the position of the first cap on the glazing bar maybe adjusted.
 36. A glazing bar according to claim 35 wherein each ofsaid detent formations is provided with a plurality of inwardlyextending triangular detents arranged one after the other on said firstcap, the respective triangular detents closest to the further cap have awidth which is less than the width of succeeding triangular formationsfurther away from said further cap.
 37. A glazing bar according to claim35 wherein each detent formation includes three of said triangulardetents.
 38. A ridge end member for a hipped roof arrangement, the ridgeend member comprising a plurality of segments extending outwardly from ahub member, and each segment comprising an elongate mounting member onan edge thereof opposite the hub member to which a plurality of glazingbars can be mounted.
 39. A ridge end member according to claim 38wherein each mounting member is attached to its respective segment by alength of material having a thickness which is less than the thicknessof the respective mounting member.
 40. A ridge end member according toclaim 38 wherein the ridge end member further includes a plurality ofsleeves, wherein at least a respective one of said sleeves is slidableover a respective mounting member.
 41. A ridge end member according toclaim 40 wherein the mounting members are of a substantially circularcross-section, and the sleeves have a cross-section corresponding to themounting members, each of the mounting members being pivotable about itsprincipal axis on the respective mounting member.
 42. A ridge end memberaccording to claim 40 wherein each of the sleeves defines a groove forreceiving fastening means to fasten a glazing bar to the respectivesleeve.
 43. A ridge end member according to claim 42 wherein the hubmember is provided to connect the ridge end to a ridge part of the roof.44. A ridge end member according to claim 43 wherein the groove has agenerally T-shaped configuration and the connecting member is of aT-shaped configuration which has first and second elongate slots oneither arm of the T, a recess defined in the body of the T, and afurther elongate slot at the end of the T.
 45. A ridge end memberaccording to claim 40 wherein a connecting device is provided to connectthe ridge end member to said part of the roof arrangement, theconnecting device comprising a first connecting projection receivable inthe recess, and a second connecting projection attachable to said partof the roof.
 46. A ridge end member according to claim 45 wherein anattachment member extends between the first and second connectingprojections, the attachment member being provided with apertures throughwhich fastening means, can extend to be received in first and secondslots defined in the attachment member, and the first connectingprojection being provided with a bore to be arranged in register with athird slot and connected thereto through suitable connecting means. 47.A ridge end member according to claim 48 wherein the connecting deviceis provided with indicia to represent the angle to the horizontal atwhich the glazing bars should extend therefrom.
 48. A ridge end memberaccording to claim 47 wherein the indicia are in the form of graduationsprovided on the attachment member and are so arranged that alignment ofthe top of the hub member with a selected one of the graduationsindicates the angle at which the glazing bars should extend from theridge end member.
 49. A wing member for a valley rafter assembly, thewing member comprising first and second elements secured together,wherein each of the first and second elements comprises a portion of amounting formation, and the first and second elements being arrangedsuch that the mounting portions together form the mounting formation towhich a glazing bar can be mounted.
 50. A wing member according to claim49 wherein each of the first and second elements is in the form of anelongate strip which are secured together lengthwise of each other inface-to-face contact along a part of the width of each strip.
 51. A wingmember according to claim 49 wherein the mounting formation is in theform of an elongate open-topped channel, which can receive therein apart of a fastening means to fasten the glazing bar to the wing member.52. A wing member according t claim 49 wherein each of the first andsecond elements further includes a portion of a pivot receivingformation, such that the pivot receiving portions together form thepivot receiving formation to receive a pivot member.
 53. A wing memberaccording to claim 49 wherein the wing member further includes anupstanding portion which is formed from one of the first and secondelements, the upstanding portion including a capping engaging regionformed from a folded section of the upstanding portion.
 54. A wingmember according to claim 53 wherein the folded section includes a firstfolded member in which the upstanding portion is folded back uponitself, and further includes a second folded member in which the firstfolded member is folded back upon itself, whereby the second foldedmember is arranged between the upstanding portion and the first foldedmember.
 55. A valley rafter assembly comprising first and second wingmembers, at least one of said wing members being as claimed in claim 49.56. A valley rafter assembly according to claim 55 wherein both of thefirst and second wing members are as claimed in claim 49, and the firstand second wing members are arranged in mirror image relationship witheach other.
 57. A valley rafter assembly according to claim 56 whereinthe first and second wing members are movable relative to each other andthe assembly includes a pivot to pivotally connect the first and secondwing members together.
 58. A bracket arrangement for connecting a firstrafter assembly to a second rafter assembly, the bracket arrangementcomprising a first bracket mountable on the first rafter assembly and asecond bracket mountable on the second rafter assembly, and thearrangement further including securing means for securing the firstbracket to the second bracket, wherein the first bracket comprises afirst main portion and first holding means for holding the securingmeans in adjustable relationship relative to the first main portion, andthe second bracket comprises a second main portion and second holdingmeans for holding the securing means in adjustable relationship relativeto the second main portion.
 59. A bracket arrangement according to claim58 wherein the first holding means comprises a channel member definingan open-topped elongate channel for receiving a part of the securingmeans therein, the securing means being movable lengthwise of thechannel.
 60. A bracket arrangement according to claim 59 wherein thefirst holding means is pivotally attached to the first main portion andis so attached lengthwise of the first main portion.
 61. A bracketarrangement according to claim 60 wherein the first holding means ispivotally attached to the first main portion by an elongate pivot pin.62. A bracket arrangement according to claim 58 wherein the first mainportion has a generally L-shaped profile, and the first holding means ismountable on the first main portion at the lower limb of the L.
 63. Abracket arrangement according to claim 58 wherein the second holdingmeans comprises an elongate projection extending from the second mainportion and defining at the free end thereof a receiving member toreceive a part of the securing means, said part of the securing meansbeing movable within the receiving member to adjust the position of thesecond rafter relative to the first rafter.
 64. A bracket arrangementaccording to claim 63 wherein the receiving member has an annularconfiguration and the projection may include an elongate memberextending from each of the rafter engaging members to the receivingmembers.
 65. A bracket arrangement according to claim 63 wherein thesecuring means may be in the form of a bolt. The head of the bolt may bereceived in the channel of the channel member and the shank of the boltmay be received by the receiving member to be secured thereto by a nut.66. A bracket arrangement according to claim 58 wherein the second mainportion comprises a pair of rafter engaging members connected togetherby said elongate projection, whereby the rafter engaging members can bearranged one on either side of the rafter.
 67. A bracket arrangementaccording to claim 57 wherein each of the first and second brackets isfastened to the respective first and second rafter assemblies byfastening means in the form of nuts and bolts, and each of the mainportions of the first and second brackets defines an aperture throughwhich the fastening means can extend.